Culture Magazine San Diego February 2016 by Culture Magazine

february 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

iReadCULTURE.com february 2016

february 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

iReadCULTURE.com february 2016

contents

inside 32

ON THE COVER: Photo by John Gilhooley

02.16 Honest and Open Dedicated actress, dancer and celebrity, Katie Morgan, doesn’t hold back in CULTURE’s exclusive interview.

features 38

Do It Yourself Get kinky this Valentine’s Day and make your own edible Canna-Brief Jerky, Infused Candy Nipple Tassels and more!

50 40

Sexy VDay Edibles This breakdown provides a list of all of the best lovecentric cannabis edibles available near you!

For The Love Of Hemp Tara Lynn’s eco-friendly wedding-wear is the next level of hemp support in fashion.

Cannabis Nuns Meet the Sisters of the Valley, a group of ladies—or rather, nuns—who manage a non-profit cannabis organization.

departments news 10 News Nuggets 14 By the Numbers 16 Local News 18 Legal Corner reviews 22 Strain, Edible & Concentrate Reviews 26 Cool Stuff 30 Entertainment Reviews in every issue 46 Growing Culture 48 Destination Unknown 49 Profiles in Courage

50 Recipes

52 News of the Weird

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online Exclusive! d Smoking on the Clock:

Colorado Companies Permit Cannabis Smoke Breaks d Alaska Groups Give Free

Cannabis to Veterans

Vol 7 IssUE 8

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CULTURE M

Publisher Jeremy Zachary Editor-In-Chief Evan Senn associate Editor Ashley Bennett Editorial coordinator Victoria Banegas Editorial Contributors Sheryll Alexander, Marguerite Arnold, Jake Browne, Jasen T. Davis, Alex Distefano, David Downs, Natasha Guimond, Addison Herron-Wheeler, Anthony Herrold, Pamela Jayne, Heather Johnson, Joe Jatcko, David Jenison, Kevin Longrie, Emily Manke, Tyler Markwart, Meital Manzuri, Sandy Moriarty, Madison Ortiz, Denise Pollicella, Paul Rogers, Joy Shannon, Lanny Swerdlow, Simon Weedn, Zara Zhi Photographers Steve Baker, Kristopher Christensen, John Gilhooley, Joel Meaders, Duncan Rolfson Art Director Steven Myrdahl production manager Tommy LaFleur Graphic Designers Tanya Delgadillo, Jonathan Ibarra Regional Manager Beau Odom Account Executives Greg Andes, Jon Bookatz, Eric Bulls, Kim Cook, Ryan Dunn, Cole Garrison, Gene Gorelik, Yolanda Imoberstag, Emily Musser, Justin Olson, Jim Saunders, Chris Thatcher, April Tygart general Manager Iris Norsworthy Office Assistant Angelina Thompson director of digital media Brian Gingrich digital media Editor David Edmundson Ctv Contributors Anna Logan, Chris Salazar Distribution Manager Cruz Bobadilla

Culture速 Magazine is published every month and distributes 20,000 magazines at over 500 locations throughout San Diego. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other matter within may be reproduced without written permission. Culture速 Magazine is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. 2175 Sampson Ave. | Suite 118 Corona | California | 92879 Phone/Fax 888.694.2046 www.iReadCulture.com

CULTURE速 Magazine is printed using post-recycled paper.

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NEWS

nuggets City of San Diego Weighs Options in Drafting Cannabis Legislation A memo put out by Deputy City Attorney Shannon Thomas may cause the city of San Diego to regulate and allow the cultivation of cannabis for the first time. With California lawmakers having extended the March 1 deadline for cities to change their cannabis legislation, Thomas suggested that the city put a moratorium in place, which will prevent the state from overruling the city’s regulations on cannabis. Another suggestion Thomas made was for the city to regulate cannabis by setting down a zoning ordinance or by allowing cultivation only in places intended for cultivation. Thomas states a moratorium would only need eight out of nine council members to vote on it and if passed, it would give San Diego more time to regulate its local cannabis industry, this and writing out cultivation guidelines would be a “complex and lengthy process,” according to The Los Angeles Times.

NCAA Alleviates Penalties for Athletes Who Test Positive for Substance Use As cannabis use throughout the U.S. continues to increase and views on the plant shift to a more positive light, the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) is also changing its stance concerning cannabis and other “recreational drugs.” According to an investigation by the Associated Press (AP), the NCAA has cut back penalties for athletes who tested positive for substances like cannabis to nearly half. Of the 57 schools that the AP analyzed, it was found that since 2005, 23 of those schools have cut back on penalties or allowed athletes to test positive several times before being suspended or dismissed, according to The San Diego Tribune. While recreational cannabis is legal in Oregon and Washington, penalties for athletes at state colleges have been alleviated. According to The San Diego Tribune, in the past, if an athlete tested positive for cannabis three times at Oregon State, they would be dismissed. Now, if an athlete tests positive three times, they are given one more chance. At Washington State, suspension for an athlete testing positive three times used be a year, it is now only 30 days long.

Encinitas Bans Cannabis Cultivation with Intent to Sell The Encinitas City Council has voted 4-0 to uphold its ban on cannabis cultivation and distribution. Although council members decided not to allow businesses to grow with the intent to sell cannabis, they are trying to figure out how they can get cannabis to patients who need it, according to The San Diego Tribune. Councilwoman Catherine Baker agreed to withhold the ban after learning that patients were permitted to grow cannabis for personal use, under city and state legislation. On the matter of delivery services being allowed within Encinitas, the Council was in disagreement and ended up voting 3-1 with council member Kristin Gaspar as the only member in opposition. The city’s initial ban however, was decided by voters on a 2014 initiative. If voters had allowed collectives in the city, they would have had to comply to city zoning, including a 600-foot buffer in between schools.

U.S. Dependence on Mexican Cannabis Drops Due to loosening cannabis regulations in the U.S., growers in Mexico are seeing less profit in cultivating cannabis. In 2008, the cannabis users in the U.S. depended on Mexico for up to twothirds of its cannabis supply, but that amount has dropped, as growers begin to pop up throughout the U.S. Mexico now contributes to less than one third of the U.S.’s cannabis supply, according to the Los Angeles Times. Sinaloa’s agricultural secretary, Juan Guerra, states that although farmers do not want to abandon their “illicit crops,” drops in profit are forcing them to. Over the past four years, the amount of money cannabis growers in Mexico receive per-kilogram has dropped from $100 to $30. With the variety of craft cannabis strains available in recreational and medical markets in the U.S., it is easy for cannabis lovers to let go of Mexican crops which are typically low grade and full of seeds, according to High Times writer, Danny Danko. 10

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NEWS

The amount of money, in thousands of dollars, that Silicon Valley venture capitalist Sean Parker contributed towards a campaign to legalize recreational cannabis in California: (Source: San Francisco Gate)

500,000

The number of votes that were made by the Encinitas City Council in favor of reevaluating cannabis regulations in the city: (Source: San Diego Union Tribune)

The number of votes by the Oceanside City Council in favor of adopting an ordinance to ban collectives, but allow delivery services: (Source: San Diego Union Tribune)

The amount of money, in millions of dollars, that Governor Jerry Brown has set aside in his budget for new medical cannabis regulations in California: (Source: Los Angeles Times)

The estimated amount of money, in billions of dollars, worth of revenue that could potentially be collected by state and local governments if cannabis is legalized in California: (Source: San Francisco Gate)

The percentage of Tennessee residents who support the legalization of medical cannabis: (Source: Sun Times)

The estimated percentage of decline in income for Mexican cannabis farmers due to the decriminalization and legalization of the herb in the U.S.: (Source: Breitbart News Network)

San Diego Improv Festival

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(Source: The Washington Times)

What: San Diego Improv Festival. When/Where: Thurs, Feb. 11-Sun, Feb.14. Finest City Improv, 4250 Louisiana St., San Diego. Info: Visit www.sdimprovfestival.com for details.

If you’re single this Valentine’s Day and looking for a good time, oddly enough, San Diego Improv Fest is the place to be. This is a fun event that includes limited capacity workshops taught by some of Chicago’s finest improv performers covering techniques like “scene work” and “specificity.” If you aren’t able to make it to a workshop there will be “Open Jams” for those looking for an open opportunity

The number of medical cannabis patients that participated in New York’s newest cannabis program on the first day that it became legal:

to work on their improv. When you’re ready to meet your match, hang out at the “Lover’s Lounge” or check out one of the after parties being held at The Red Fox Room and Gilly’s. This year’s performers will be improv duo The Boys, who are members of disbanded troupes, Children of Lesser Gods and The Playboys. So, instead of being sad that you’re single this Valentine’s Day, laugh it off and meet some great people instead.

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NEWS

LOCAL

GROWING PAINS

“Art of the Open Air”

San Diego’s Long and Winding Road to Legal Cultivation

by Pamela Jayne

n just a few short months, San Diego County’s first legally permitted cannabis cultivation operation will be up and running, awash in a sea of green. A building permit was granted to OutCo Labs in late December, completing the final step in an arduous two year-long process. As required by law, the 15,000-squarefoot building is located in an industrial area of El Cajon, behind Gillespie Field, and is (as we go to print) just under 90 days from being ready to begin growing on behalf of their approximately 7,000 collective members. Beyond providing much needed medicine for their patients, OutCo Labs hopes to further enhance the community by employing 200 people by 2017. The news of OutCo Labs’ new venture came just as the new California state guidelines for cannabis cultivation took effect on January 1. The California Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (The MMRSA) is Sacramento’s well-meaning, yet perhaps somewhat misguided attempt to tell the cannabis industry what it already knows. While there was some initial confusion, and even panic, caused by a deadline for local action by March 1, it turns out that that date was a mistake that was errantly referred to as a loophole by the media. Cities across the state scurried to hastily throw together outright bans on cannabis cultivation, out of fear that the state would seize control over local decisions. That was never the intention of MMRSA, and on January 14, an urgency measure, AB-21, which repealed that errant March 1 deadline, was introduced in Sacramento, and is expected to be signed by Governor Jerry Brown by the end of January—crisis averted. All snark aside, there is no doubt that the issue of cannabis cultivation is weighing on the minds of the powers that be in San Diego. The tireless efforts of local activists have ensured that the cause is front and center, assuming that our leaders can spare a few moments from the Chargers’ stadium fiasco, of course. A memo issued by Deputy City Attorney 16

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Shannon Thomas was recently sent to Mayor Kevin Falcouner, describing multiple ways the city could regulate growing cannabis, including the creation of new zoning regulations specific to cannabis only, or simply allowing cannabis cultivation in all areas currently that are approved for agriculture. Thomas insists that a moratorium could actually help San Diego ensure that the new state laws, which went into effect on January 1, do not permanently take away the city’s ability to regulate local cultivation by granting that authority to the state instead. Some, not all, medical cannabis advocates hailed the prospect of San Diego allowing cultivation as a big step forward both for growers, many of whom have rightfully felt the need to be secretive, and for patients (who depend on growers), many of whom wish to know the source of their cannabis and have it tested for quality. The vast majority of cannabis consumers are, understandably, skeptical. They have been promised safe and reasonable access since the inception of Prop 215, in 1996. 20 years of failed promises tends to wear down even the most hopeful. CULTURE recently spoke to Terrie Best, of the San Diego chapter of Americans For Safe Access, and she had this to say: “With cities adopting bans on even personal cultivation, this will ensure that San Diego does not become a safe access desert. Unfortunately, we still have the sheriff overseeing things, which does not instill much confidence.” Best’s words mirror the sentiments of many of citizens. She goes on to say, “I have to applaud the county supervisors. When they first adopted the ordinance in 2010, they were very squeamish about it. Now look at them go! It is heartening to see the stigma evaporating in San Diego County.” Yes, there may be cause for concern, but there is also great cause for hope, and perhaps even a light at the end of the tunnel. After all, it is a growing process. c

With the help of philanthropic art lovers, The San Diego Museum of Art is exhibiting an array of unique and inspiring “internationally significant” sculptures. Created from aluminum, bronze and painted fiberglass the sculptures presented in this exhibit are the works of artists such as Joan Miró and Tony Rosenthal. Transformed by changed perspective caused by the viewer’s position and lighting conditions, visitors will examine the versatile characteristics of each sculpture. Because of the significant size of the sculptures, The San Diego Art Museum must completely transform its Plaza de Panama to accommodate for the pieces, which is why donations for the project are needed. Those who contribute will have done so for a significantly good cause as “Art of the Open Air” will allow the museum to grant visitors free access every day of the week. WHAT: “Art of the Open Air” exhibit. WHEN/WHERE: Opens Feb. 11. On view through Feb. 2018. The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego. INFO: Visit www.sdmart. org for details.

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NEWS

legal corner

MINOR SETBACK MMRSA March Deadline on its Way Out by Kimberly Sims

A drafting error in the newly passed Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA) has caused cities and counties across the state to rush to impose bans on medical cannabis cultivation and mobile collectives before March 1, 2016. Specifically, language in AB-243 states that if a city or county does not have land use regulation either expressly regulating or prohibiting cultivation of cannabis by March 1, 2016, then the state shall be the sole licensing entity (California Health & Safety Code Section 11362.777). The regulation also includes similar language regarding delivery services, sans the March 1 date, by which a city must pass regulations. With the March 1 date looming, cities and counties did not have the time required to enact meaningful land use regulation; so instead, local governments all across the state panicked and passed bans. They believed that they must do this in order to retain local control. Further complicating the matter, the California League of Cities actively urged cities to pass bans. Tim Cromartie, legislative representative for the League states, “In an abundance of caution, we have been advising our member cities to enact bans to make sure they preserve their regulatory authority whether a cleanup bill goes through or not. A ban is the

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quickest and cleanest way.” While cities panicked to create local cannabis regulations, it turned out that the March 1 deadline was a mistake. Representative Jim Wood issued an open letter to city and county officials in early January regarding the drafting error. The letter explains that during the scramble at the end of the legislative session, an inadvertent drafting error placed a deadline on local jurisdictions, requiring them to adopt their own land use regulations for medical cannabis cultivation by March 1, 2016, or turn that responsibility over to the state. As soon as Representative Wood was made aware of the error, he published a letter in the Assembly Journal, declaring his intention to pass urgency regulation striking the deadline. An urgency measure allows a law to go into effect as soon as it is signed by the Governor. True to his word, Representative Wood along with Representatives Ken Cooley, Reginald Byron JonesSawyer, Tom Lackey and Rob Bonta have introduced urgency measure, Assembly Bill 21, which will repeal the March 1 deadline in MMRSA and allow cities to still maintain their local control. The bill has wide bipartisan support and the Governor has also shown support of this measure. AB-21 has already started to help. Some local governments have indicated that if the deadline is lifted, they would be open to revisiting local regulations to permit commercial cannabis activity. Other cities have indicated that they are utilizing the ban only as a placeholder and that they are open to passing local regulation in the

future. Alameda County serves as an example of how AB-21 is already having a positive impact. Alameda County added the following language to their temporary placeholder ordinance, which bans cultivation and delivery: “This ordinance shall be repealed by its own terms upon the adoption of state legislation repealing or eliminating the March 1, 2016 deadline.” California NORML strongly suggests that this language be added to any pending medical cannabis ban passed to meet the perceived deadline in MMRSA. Perhaps the most ironic part about this entire situation is that for years, local governments have been asking the state legislature to pass uniform legislation to create a comprehensive regulatory system to help guide them on how to regulate commercial activity at the local level. Now that those regulations are finally in place, we are seeing a rash of bans throughout the state. Furthermore, we have seen time and time again that bans do not work. They do not eliminate consumer supply or demand, rather, bans deny patient’s quality care, and they cause cities to lose critical tax revenue and usher in more illicit activities in communities. Although the current atmosphere is tense, industry experts are confident that once the March 1 deadline is removed, the real work can begin. Cities will no longer be under duress and they can go back to the drawing board to craft some meaningful regulation. Furthermore, once the state agencies come back in early 2017 and are able to further explain the process for state licensing, additional cities will be willing to enact sensible regulation. And last, once the cities that do pass comprehensive regulation can demonstrate the success of the state and local program, the tax revenue increase and the decrease in crime, other cities will undoubtedly follow suit. It is a slow process but over time, many of these bans, will be replaced with regulation. One can look to the end of alcohol prohibition and the gradual change from mostly dry counties to present day. In the meantime, it is incumbent that patients and businesses show up to City Council hearings where cities are seeking to enact bans and let them know about AB-21 and urge them to adopt language like Alameda County if a ban passes, and continue to educate everyone about MMRSA. c

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REVIEWs

strain, edible & concentrate Moxie Extracts Super Lemon Glue Cake Budder Live Resin This Moxie Extract brought to us by Left Coast Collective is sinfully creamy and butter-like in appearance, having a beautifully blonde shine. It is easily handled, whether as a dab, or on top of a bowl. It smells very piney and pungent—both the Lemon Haze and the Gorilla Glue really shine through. The flavor is remarkable, with sharp tastes of lemon and pine. The hit is extremely expansive, to the point of seeing stars. Once those stars settle, a sense of full body relaxation sets in, as does a numbing cerebral effect. The Super Lemon Haze crossed with the Gorilla Glue is an absolute dream come true!

Available at: Left Coast Collective in San Diego.

Jane’s Brew Medium Roast Coffee Compatible with the reigning single cup coffee maker, Jane’s Brew Medium Roast Coffee from California’s Kindest offers a conveniently packaged single serving of cannabis and caffeine combined. The medium roast flavor appeals to both the novices and the well versed. It is neither bitter, nor sweet. Often referred to as “walking the high wire,” the combo of coffee and cannabis has been elevated by the makers of Jane’s Brew. Expect the effects of the cannabis to kick in, in 15 to 20 minutes, and last for at least three hours, maybe more. Meanwhile, the caffeine will have you naturally energized. When it comes to cannabis consumables, this is the best of both worlds, as it will alleviate pain and tension, and also provide a quick energy boost.

Available through: California’s Kindest Delivery.

Mango CO2 Oil Time for some tropical relief this winter. POP Naturals hits new heights of flavor and potency with their top-of-the-line Mango CO2 oil. In an era of dodgy, flavored extracts, we count on POP Naturals to serve cannabinoids and terpenes straight-up, with no co-solvents or additives. The brand is widely respected for using only locally-grown buds and a pure CO2 subcritical extraction process. We got huge Mango tropical fruit flavor (1.1 percent terpenes) and enormous potency (60.62 percent cannabinoids) from this oil, which is perfect for re-filling vape pen carts, or as dabs, or on bowls, or in joints. Mango mixes Thai and Brazil sativas with an indica from Afghanistan for a hybrid indica effect. Patients use indica oil extracts like this in super-portable, discrete vape pens for symptom management anytime and anywhere.

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GET YOUR CLICKS

HERE

Available wherever: POP Naturals products are carried.

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REVIEWs

strain, edible & concentrate Available at: Limitless Care Collective in Pacific Beach.

Ancient OG This beautifully chunky bud is the epitome of ideal nug structure. It is compact and bright in color, sporting both dark emerald and lime green leaves. Its orange hairs are smothered in glistening, sticky trichomes. Its aroma is enticing, with an earthy and piney smell, and just a hint of citrus. Its taste is also very earthy, bordering on piney, with a bit of a citrus flavor, and a tiny sweet tone at the very end. It hits hard, but clean, a sign of being well flushed. The huge expansion gives a nice, hearty cough that leads to an instant relaxing, euphoric feeling for both body and mind. What a perfect balance between the cerebral and physical! Limitless Care Collective is where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find this top shelf selection.

Sneekers Available at: Alternative Patient Care in San Diego.

Pur Xtracts pre-filled cartridge Super Lemon Haze

Available at: Torrey Holistics in San Diego.

The Super Lemon Haze cartridge by Pur Xtracts is as good as it gets, and it is available at Torrey Holistics. This oil is stunningly clear with a bright green tint. The hit is smooth, clean and robust. It tastes exactly like Super Lemon Haze, having a mild Lemonhead candy flavor, with a heavy hint of pine. The exhale is very enticing, smelling of lemon Pinesol. This solvent free 45 percent THC cartridge provides a floaty body effect and quite a cerebral kick! It is perfect for quick, discreet medicating.

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The Sneekers candy bar from Alternative Patient Care is an artisan cannabis peanut nougat that offers freshly crafted caramel and Belgian chocolate. These gluten-free ingredients combine to make a delightfully decadent treat, and the 150mg of THC, 40mg of CBN and 10mg of CBD provides strong pain relief and deep, restful sleep. Not only do Sneekers candy bars provide relief to cannabis patients, they also donate a portion of proceeds to local animal shelters. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win, win!

GET YOUR CLICKS

HERE

Available at: Various collectives throughout San Diego.

Krush RX Extracts Strawberry Cough PreFilled Cartridge Krush RX Extracts have launched an amazing new profiled cartridge line with Pure Organic extracts and no glycols or coconut oils. They come in a variety of pure strain flavors. All cartridges are made with premium hardware including medical grade Pyrex glass. Even the tip on these are made from glass to ensure you only taste the pure oil. The Strawberry Cough sample we received hits hard but offers immediate relief. Interstingly enough, the Strawberry Cough has a sweet berry undertone, but a light diesel overtone. These products are perfect for a discreet way to medicate on the go.

Available at: Point Loma Patients Consumer Cooperative in San Diego.

Shatter Tanks RB26 Living Extracts Cheese Created by the best shatter makers on the West Coast, and available at Point Loma Patients Consumer Cooperative, Shatter Tanks are made from only the highest end materials. The taste is top shelf, the exhale beckons all within nose range, and the name speaks for itself. The terps are so on point with this one, it actually tastes like a dab. Although it is smooth tasting, expect to experience full couch-lock with this one. Anyone searching for pain relief, sleep or respite from any other ailment, would be wise to try out this offering from Shatter Tanks. You will not be disappointed.

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REVIEWs

For More Products Go To www.iReadCulture.com

3. Glance App Make your love life a little more exciting with the Google Glass and iPhone compatible app, Glance. This app allows users to see what their partner sees during intimate moments as well as get alternative angles by utilizing the camera on their phone. Users of Glance will also be able to record with the iPhone app, so they can have a home movie to watch later. The Google Glass feature is easy and convenient to use, all one has to do is say “Ok Glass it’s time” and let the magic unfurl. A fun alternative to the old camera and tripod, helping you get all the right angles. PRICE: FREE MORE INFORMATION: www.glanceapp.info

1. DRUMi: Foot-Powered Washing Machine From Toronto based company, YiREGO comes the environmentally ethical Drumi. Drumi is a 15 pound, 22-inch-tall foot-powered washing machine that uses only five liters of water and no electricity. Sure that doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but according to YiREGO, the typical laundry cycle uses up to 50 liters of water and 500 watts of power. Not only does Drumi use significantly less water and power, it can wash up to five pounds of clothes and each cycle only takes about five minutes! Drumi is the new alternative to washing clothes, allowing users to spend less on water, electricity and save time, with its innovative design. PRICE: $239 MORE INFORMATION: www.yirego.com

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2. AutoBlow 2 Revolutionizing personal experiences, AutoBlow2 allows any guy to sit back and enjoy the pleasures of oral stimulation. Conveniently created so you don’t have to use your hands too much, the AutoBlow2 comes with the option of including a handle for secure grip and it works automatically. Available in three sizes, A, B and C, AutboBlow2 is for guys of all sizes (measure accordingly). When using the AutoBlow2, a water-based lubricant is recommended, followed by a thorough cleaning afterwards, ensuring you get quality pleasure every time. According to customer reviews, this is an upgrade from the original! PRICE: $159 MORE INFORMATION: www.autoblow2.com

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4. Sense by Hello Sense is a remarkable device that monitors your sleep patterns, and provides detailed logs on each night’s sleep that can be viewed on any Smartphone. Simply place Sense on your nightstand, along with a small sleep tracker on your pillow, and it can detect the current room temperature and light levels and recommend what needs to be changed in order to get a quality night of sleep. Your tossing and turning, snoring and any other issues during sleep will be reported, helping you gain knowledge on why you’re not getting restful sleep, and how to change it. PRICE: $129 MORE INFORMATION: www.hello.is

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REVIEWs

entertainment

BOOK

Cannabis in Canada: The Illustrated History

Release Date: March 24 Available on: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One

Dana Larsen, Patrick Dowers Self-Published In author Dana Larsen’s new book, Cannabis in Canada: The Illustrated History, Larsen offers a fact-filled account of Canada’s relation to industrial hemp dating from the mid 17th century, and to medical cannabis dating from the mid 19th century. Canada has gone back and forth with cannabis’ legal status for centuries and Larsen details the 350 years of legal Canadian hemp in this entertaining illustrated book. Even more entertaining, Larsen sent each one of the Liberal Members of Parliament a copy of the book, and a small gift of one gram of cannabis, in the hopes of sparking a conversation in their offices. (Alex Bradley)

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GAME

Far Cry Primal Dev. Ubisoft Montreal Pub. Ubisoft The Far Cry video game series is taking a step far back from its normal first person shooter series. In Far Cry Primal, you’re a human hunter living in the Stone Age left to fight off gargantuan mammoths and sabertooth cats. Players rise up in the ranks of their tribe by crafting classic weapons such as spears, axes and bows and taming many of the animals in this time period, from badgers to owls and saber-tooth tigers. Defend yourself against other enemy tribes, all of which are fighting to survive in this savage land. (Nicole Potter)

MOVIE

Guidance Search Engine Films Dir. Pat Mills What happens when an aging, alcoholic, former child-star living in denial about his sexuality and cancer diagnosis decides to fabricate an identity in order to become a high school guidance counselor? Guidance follows David Gold as he desperately attempts to gain some semblance of control over his life by helping students. As one might imagine, all types of shenanigans ensue when Gold encourages students to be themselves, with a little bit of help from cannabis and alcohol. For some laughs with some substance behind them, Guidance is definitely one to check out. (Simon Weedn)

MUSIC

Emotional Mugger Ty Segall Drag City Ty Segall has built an incredible reputation for himself for not only playing some of the more interesting and powerful psychedelic, garage rock out there, but also writing and releasing it at an incredibly prolific rate. So, it should come as no surprise that Mr. Segall has recently returned this winter to deliver his eighth studio in album in eight years entitled, Emotional Mugger. Listening to Segall attempt to marry pop with garage rock, two somewhat opposing elements of his style, continuing to push his sound in new directions while never losing the qualities that made him endearing to begin with. (Simon Weedn)

iReadCULTURE.com february 2016

“I prefer smoking to drinking. Like, if I’m going to chill, I’ll either have a joint or a joint and a glass of wine.”

Photos by John Gilhooley Makeup by Aimee Tureaud Hair by Elizabeth Hall Conley

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Getting intimate and talking cannabis with actress

Katie Morgan by Jamie Solis

Cannabis and pornography are two lucrative and sometimes taboo industries with many similarities. Both industries cater to adult appetites; they are both held to different regulations from state to state, but most importantlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;cannabis and pornography are two industries that the talented adult film actress, Katie Morgan, knows all too well. Whether or not you watch adult films, chances are Katie Morgan has made an appearance in your living room at one time or another. Best known for her nine HBO specials and a star role in Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Katie Morgan has successfully attained mainstream status while still catering to those who enjoy watching her have sex onscreen. Following her role in Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Katie took a seven-year hiatus from shooting hardcore adult films to instead focus on other endeavors like hosting parties, doing podcasts, performing burlesque shows all across the country and making special appearances. Last September, Katie Morgan fans everywhere rejoiced as she made her much-anticipated re-entry into the hardcore adult film industry. While many fantasize about this adorable, blonde bombshell trademarked for her highpitched voice and busty figure, Katie also has an outgoing and bubbly personality that is complimented by her affinity for two of our favorite thingsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;animals and cannabis. Katie sat down with CULTURE to discuss her career, views on the ever-changing porn industry and of course, her love for cannabis. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re following her on Twitter to see hilarious and adorable posts or you are guilty of drooling over her countless adult films, it is time to get a little more intimate with Katie Morgan. >>

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“I don’t grow myself, but if somebody wanted my input or wanted to name [a strain of cannabis] after me, I would be totally down for that. It should be an orange sativa.” You’re back into shooting hardcore adult films after a seven-year hiatus following the release of Zack and Miri Make a Porno. How is it to be back filming adult videos? Oh my God, it’s so much fun. It really is. I just missed it, and I realized that I could do it again. Like, I didn’t think I couldn’t, but I had been gone for so long, and so much had changed. But then I went to AVM Expo last year and met a bunch of new people, and it just felt like it was time to come back. It’s been so much fun! That’s so exciting. How are your fans responding? Oh, huge! I did the Exotica Convention at the end of last year, and we were busy the whole time. I don’t think I’ve ever taken that many pictures right in a row. It was so much fun! You’re one of the only adult film actresses who attained mainstream status with nine HBO specials, your role in a feature film and more. What do you personally consider to be your greatest accomplishments? I think definitely the HBO shows. I had a nine-year relationship with them, and we did nine specials, and that’s really my thing. I’m quite proud to be that naked girl from HBO. 34

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Would you also say your 2013 induction into the Adult Video News (AVN) Hall of Fame is up there with your greatest accomplishments? Oh yes, that was huge. I still can’t believe it when people say that. It’s amazing, and that was such an honor. And actually AVN continues to be awesome. I came back as a performer this year in September, which was not in time for anything to come out for AVN nominations, but they’ve asked me to be a co-host the red carpet for the award show. How was it working with Kevin Smith for filming Zack and Miri Make A Porno? It was amazing. I was and still am a fan from way back. I like Clerks and Dogma and all that. So I was already a fan of his, and then Seth Rogen was an added bonus, and when I first auditioned for it I read lines with Seth and Kevin, and I thought I was going to freakin’ die, and that was before I got the role. It was surreal. Kevin was great. He actually ended up introducing me to the guy I married a couple years later, and he got ordained and married us. You regularly perform sexy burlesque shows across the U.S. What are those like? Well that’s really what I ended up busy doing the last seven years and still; I’ve been on a very extended feature dancing tour where I go out anywhere from one to three weekends a month, and I do big burlesque shows. Lots of poor ostriches died for my costumes, but they’re beautiful, and then I throw them on the floor. So I do a threesong set that starts out really burlesque, and it ends kind of more hardcore rock ‘n’ roll. >>

iReadCULTURE.com february 2016

Can you tell us about your new affiliation with Nexxxt Level Talent Agency? I was actually really excited to see that there was a boutique style agency happening and that it was two people I have known. I’ve known Andre Madness and Jonathan Morgan like right from the beginning. Jonathan used to come over and play at my poker game when we lived out in L.A. He was like one of my close friends. Then last year, same thing, at the AVN Expo they said they were starting this agency, “We’re only going to take 20 girls. We’re going to keep it small, so everybody gets that extra attention.” And I said, “That’s exactly what I need.” So I signed on with them, and it’s been really great. I have not had a free second. I’m enjoying it—all the back and forth. I haven’t been to L.A. this much in a couple years, and I missed it because I’m from there, so it’s kind of nice. It’s like getting to go home again.

“I’m kind of a functional smoker. I really prefer the sativa like, ‘Let’s do the laundry and write a song,’ as opposed to ‘Let’s eat brownies and watch movies.’ The sativa especially I find really focuses me, because I’m kind of all over the place normally.” Do you spend about equal time between Vegas and L.A.? I definitely spend any free time I have at home because I have all the pets and the family at the house, but when I travel, sometimes I travel cross-country for the shows, but all the adult stuff is in L.A. still. You mentioned you have pets. What kind of pets do you have? I have a little bit of a zoo. I have dogs and cats and parrots and ferrets and a wallaby and some sugar gliders and frogs and turtles. I was a pet store manager before I did porn. What are your views on the legalization of cannabis for medical and/or recreational use? On legalization, I am totally pro both medical and recreational. Pornography and cannabis both have a history of some social and political opposition toward their legalization. Do you see any parallels between the industries that would be the reason for this? I feel like that can be said for anything that society has historically told us is taboo. Even alcohol had an era of prohibition.

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I’ve seen on your social media that you’re pretty open about your love for cannabis. What is your preferred method of consuming cannabis? I’m really just getting into the vaping now with oils. For the most part I’m kind of old school. I like the whole process of grinding and rolling joints and stuff. Do you like edibles? Sometimes, but I’m kind of a functional smoker. I really prefer the sativa like, “Let’s do the laundry and write a song,” as opposed to “Let’s eat brownies and watch movies.” The sativa especially I find really focuses me, because I’m kind of all over the place normally. Everyone pictures that you smoke weed and you just lie down and melt, and I have the absolute opposite reaction. Are there any other reasons you choose to consume cannabis? It’s also to relax. I prefer

thekatiemorgan.com

smoking to drinking. Like, if I’m going to chill, I’ll either have a joint or a joint and a glass of wine. I don’t like the drunky feeling. I don’t like anything that makes me feel out of control of myself. When did you start consuming cannabis? Is it something you’ve always done? No, well because I had the whole arrest thing back in 2001, and I got the whole federal felony. I was out on bail and probation for like three years with full drug testing and all that—no smokey, no smokey. But then once I was off bail and everything started legalizing, it was kind of awesome. One week ago, I got to play the legal game in Colorado. I happened to go to Denver for a family wedding, and my kid brother and I got weed legally and smoked it. The experience was so weird. Just to be able to land in the city and drive on over to the dispensary was kind of amazing. It was like, the future is now!

In your experience, is cannabis use is prevalent in the porn industry? It’s kind of funny actually. It used to be a lot more prevalent when I was in the first time, and until the condom laws and everybody really cracking down on stuff, I noticed a lot less people talk about it. They don’t really smoke it on set like they used to. Has the industry gotten stricter in all senses after the new laws? I wouldn’t say strict necessarily, but more professional. We’re trying to make it more like a real work place and not a party. Have you heard about other adult film stars having their own star-branded designer cannabis strains? Is this something you have considered? I would totally be into that. I mean, I don’t grow myself, but if somebody wanted my input or wanted to name one after me, I would be totally down for that. It should be an orange sativa.

Some professionals in the porn industry have crossed over to the cannabis industry. Do you think the two industries go hand in hand? Sort of—I would say [cannabis and porn go hand in hand] the same as it does when people are branding vodka or tequila . . . just like anything extra that you can put your name on and have to promote that’s in the same kind of party vein. I host parties as much as I feature dance. It’s for when you go and you’re the host of the party, you have something to promote like, ‘Here’s my vodka. Here’s my weed.’ Like, of course that goes hand in hand, but I think that goes with celebrities, not just porn. What can our readers look forward to from you in the future? Definitely look for my dance tour. I will probably be coming to a city near you at some point. I go just about everywhere from Fargo to Florida. c

iReadCULTURE.com february 2016

Sexy Edible Fun

Fun and flirty D.I.Y. projects for you and your lover Canna-Brief Jerky Infused edible meat undies for men are pretty strange and hard to come by, but we figured out how to D.I.Y. them, and infuse them with cannabis for a little extra fun! Made from scratch with ground beef, and delicious and custom meat seasonings, these jerky briefs are perfect for a fun night in with your lover, and every part of them can be eaten off! Find the custom D.I.Y. recipe on ireadculture. com.

Canna-Caramel Panties Instead of the storebought twisted candy rope undies, why not let your partner eat caramel and cannabis-infused candy panties right off you? These panties are delicious, and though the recipe is involved, the final result us well worth it. As your bodies heat up, the stiff caramel becomes warm and easy to eat and gently peels off your most sensitive and delicious parts. Find the custom D.I.Y. recipe on ireadculture.com.

february 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

Romantic CannaMarshmallow Rope Handcuffs Looking to do something extra special for your Valentine this year? Try making our cannabisinfused marshmallow rope handcuffs. You can playfully take turns being locked up, and being saved! The recipe takes some time to make, but these make for an unforgettable experience for you and your lover. Find the D.I.Y. recipe at ireadculture.com.

Canna-Candy Nipple Tassels

D.I.Y. Infused Custom Chocolate Penis

Titillate your partner with your ta-ta’s as you wear hunger-inducing, homemade nipple tassels! Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to embrace the sweetness of your relationship, and your lover’s sweet tooth, with this simple but effective way to turn sexy time into dessert time. Feel free to get wild with these infused edible wearables, specifically designed to add extra fun to the bedroom and satiate your appetite. Find the custom D.I.Y. recipe on ireadculture.com.

Nothing is sexier than looking down at your partner when they’re giving you all sorts of oral attention. Return the favor with a twist and make a D.I.Y. Cannabis Infused Edible Chocolate Penis, made from a mold of their very own phallic member. Complete the mold, fill it up with chocolate and when the time is right, have your partner watch as you lick and nibble an identical edible mold of their penis. Before you know it, they’ll be squirming for you to use your moves on the real thing—and in the meantime, you get to eat a delicious infused chocolate treat. Win-win! Find the custom D.I.Y. recipe on ireadculture.com.

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When it comes to romance, sex and edibles—more is not better. So here’s our list for getting the most delectable edibles and not overdoing it. Who wants to become a vegetable in bed when you set out to be a lion/ ness? Available for sale online in collector tins and individually wrapped in MMJ dispensaries, Jimi’s Medicated Macaroons (as in long departed rock super star Jimi Hendrix and his living blood brother Leon Hendrix of a burgeoning cannabiz run by licensor CEO Andrew Pitsicalis’ Purple Haze Properties) make for that ultimate in high and heady romance. Jimi’s bodacious, perfectly Frenchstyle 25mg THCfilled treats have the unmistakable mark of a great macaroon. The delicate outside “cracks” impeccably when nibbled and is then equally matched by the sweet insides, which

VDay’s Sexiest Edibles for Just the Right Dose by Sheryll Alexander

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are soft, moist and burst with flavors such as blueberry, chocolate and cappuccino. At 25mg each, these sex bombs are numbingly potent, so it may be best to share one with your beloved a half hour or so before the big moment. Bhang Chocolates has become an expert chocolatier in the cannabis industry with its delicious cannabisinfused chocolate bars and products. When you bring one of their goods to the bedroom, such as the Medical Cannabis Cherries & Cream bar, you’re bound to get plenty of lovin.’ This High Times World Cannabis Cup for Edibles winner of 2015 contains 180mg, offered in four very strong rectangular-shaped portions. The sweetness of quality milk chocolate and cherries may be addicting, but even the packaging is labeled “Triple Strength” so indulge with care. Couples who use cannabis regularly might want to share a single portion before diving headfirst into romance (and couples new to cannabis should nibble on 1/4 of a serving). If cherries aren’t your thing, Bhang also offers flavors in the realm of cookies and cream, fire chocolate, ice chocolate and many more tantalizing tastes. Something Chocolate also delivers music-inspired cannabis treats for Valentine’s Day. Each brilliantly-wrapped box contains four rock-themed truffles (20mg THC per bon bon) made with fine dark Belgian chocolate and other worldclass ingredients. Dixie’s Altai brand churns out some of the best-looking and tasting edibles anywhere. Prepping for that special night? Get Altai’s Bon Bons, ALT Bars or Pips in delectable flavors from dulce de leche (bon-bons) to Tahitian vanilla (ALT bars) to espresso bean (pips). The entire chocolate-based lines from Altai come in 10 and 25 THC sativa or indica doses. For those who want to go vegan, gluten-free and need exact dosages, try Oakland-based Auntie Dolores. Chocolate baked inside decadent artisan brownies are always sexy, so choose from Auntie Dolores’ toffee brownie (100mg THC), chocolate brownie (10 and 100mg THC, 50mg CBD), peanut butter brownie (50mg THC) and chocolate chip cookie (50mg THC). Kiva Confections are also a gourmet’s delight and feature simple dosing via their full-sized chocolate bars, individually wrapped “minis” and tin-packed “terra bites.” Kiva’s new “minis” come in 15 mg dark and milk chocolate bites and four

Making Your Own Edibles?

new 45mg flavors: Blackberry dark chocolate, tangerine dark chocolate, vanilla chai milk chocolate and mint Irish cream milk chocolate. GFarmaLabs breaks out their scrumptious Liquid Gold brand of chocolate-covered cherry cordials for this love season. Available in both dark and light chocolates, each gold-wrapped delight comes with a kick of 25mg THC. Can’t get THC-infused edibles in your state? More and more manufacturers are making cannabidiol (CBD) versions of their normally THC medicated edibles because CBD is not psychoactive , and can be shipped anywhere. How does CBD help when it comes to sex? First, CBD doesn’t get you “high”. Rather, CBD makes one feel more relaxed, less stressed, more balanced and, therefore, more open to feeling joyful and playful. In today’s explosive (and hopefully orgasmic) edibles market, you really can have your THC, your CBD, have it in your cake and eat it next to your beloved too. c

For those who are considering creating their own sexy cannabis confections, the secret is in the butter. Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook puts together recipes from the world’s top cannabis chefs, most notably a big section on each chef’s nolonger-confidential canna butters. Try Cannabis Kitchen’s “majoon love balls” (a round Arabic aphrodisiac treat adapted by renowned chef Chris Killam using honey cannabis butter) or chef Emily Sloat’s “hash hive balls,” which are a no-bake sweet treat made with chocolate, butterscotch, nuts and chow mein noodles ready in a half hour. Colorado’s premiere cannabis bakery, Sweet Mary Jane, came out with a dessert cookbook not surprisingly titled Sweet Mary Jane: 75 Delicious Cannabis-Infused HighEnd Desserts. These sumptuous edibles are available in the bakery’s Boulder shop, online or as a recipe you can bake at home including the bakery’s signature Queen of Tarts, OMG Brownie Cheesecake, Lemon Love Bars and Sweet Temptation Mango Sorbet. iReadCULTURE.com february 2016

“I look forward to the day I can walk through a hemp field in my backyard, and how fabulous it would be to do a photo shoot of wedding gowns there.”

Majestic Matrimony Tara Lynn’s HempInspired Wedding Gowns by Benjamin M. Adams

Tara Lynn Scheidet has been designing beautiful wedding gowns using hemp, vintage lace and hand-stitched appliqués for over 15 years. Over a decade ago, Tara Lynn opened up her studio on 92 acres in Sutton, Vermont, which enables her to design affordable wedding gowns. Tara Lynn’s projects have included a wedding gown for the Miss America Pageant in 2009 and American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox. Last year, Tara Lynn launched Made in Vermont, her own line of eco-conscious women’s wear.

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Customers love your unique custom designs. What led you to get into the bridal industry? It’s what women were asking me for. Back in 1999, I was working at a hemp store, Hemp Instead, in Hell’s Kitchen, NY (it’s sadly no longer there) and I made custom hemp clothing for some customers. A sweet woman came in and asked me to make her a hemp wedding dress. As I continued making hemp clothing I made wearable art jackets dedicated to endangered

species, customers would see my portfolio and ask for another wedding dress with embroidery and appliqué and so the business naturally grew. You specialize in eco-friendly wedding styles. What hemp styles are popular? I set out to specialize in eco-friendly hemp wedding styles. What started as a hemp clothing based thing for me has expanded to organic cotton, peace silks and any other natural fabrics that

make sense for the cut and style and wear ability of the garment. Fiorella, a unique hand embroidered and floral appliqué hemp wedding gown, has been a popular style over the years. In 2015, I noticed a boost in sales of my more bohemian wedding dress

styles like Athena, the most popular selling style in my collection, is a hemp goddess wedding dress. Farfalla, my butterfly embroidered wedding dress, which was originally my wedding gown, is also a very popular selling hemp silk style.

You’ve got an impressive line of suit styles that utilize hemp. What led you to begin using hemp? Oh that is a long story . . . I was at FIT in NYC studying fashion design and reality set in for me about the dark side of fashion, the toxic dyes, sweatshops, mass production . . . I started to see the world as it was . . . and then I started looking for a shop or company in NYC that sold eco-conscious, sustainable or recycled clothing. This was 1999 and

played. I was studying knit wear and tailoring at the time, I was obsessed taking 21 credits a semester, and at the store I was selling hemp scarves and ties (Woody Harrelson even came in and bought one of my ties) and different clients started to ask me for custom PJ’s, suits, leotards, underwear and wedding dresses. You can imagine at that time there was Mannastash bags, Two Star Dog sold jeans and only a few other labels and products in the clothing

“I am very supportive of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act. It is about time hemp be grown on American soil again.” this was hard to find but then I found Hemp Instead and the owners taught me a lot about hemp. I loved working there and loved everything we sold in the store from hemp seed and candles, to lotion, bedding, the books, the smell of the store and the Blood Sweat and Tears album they

selection of our store so I was busy meeting people and sewing whatever they could not find on the market. And the hemp textiles were so limited at that time. Now, there is a lot more available in terms of hemp textiles. But I became very passionate about hemp and stuck

with it, I wanted people to know hemp’s story and to know about how sustainable and versatile it was as a crop. I wanted to help the movement and to feel good about what I was making. Now I try to convince my farming neighbors in Vermont to grow it. What are your thoughts about the current legal status of hemp cultivation in the United States. Are you supportive of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act? I am very supportive of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act. It is about time hemp be grown on American soil again. Vermont in particular has been on the forefront of the movement and I am positive I will see the day that farmers in my region will be able to grow hemp without the fear of the Federal laws. I am surrounded by farm land, mostly corn and cow farms. Occasionally I mention hemp to my neighbors and they recently told me they are looking into growing it. I encourage

them, I hear it’s a great rotation crop. I don’t see the legalization of hemp altering where I buy my textiles from, at least not in my lifetime, but in terms of seed and other uses it is a sorely needed market in America’s economy. I look forward to the day I can walk through a hemp field in my backyard and how fabulous it would be to do a photo shoot of wedding gowns there. What’s the secret to looking and feeling fantastic on the most important day in your life? Being comfortable and wearing something that makes you feel like you! Fit, quality and the way the fabric feels and flows against your body are all very important and these are the details I really focus on with my clients. Working together is a very personal experience and I wrap my head around the person I am designing for so they feel like “a Woodland Queen” or a “Bohemian Goddess” or “Fairy Princess” or just simply feel “Beautiful” and in their element. c www.taralynnbridal.com

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Restoring Tradition with CBD

“It is medicinal. It is nutritional. It is a gentle gateway drug off of pharmaceuticals.”

The Sisters of the Valley by Victoria Banegas

In a culture where spiritual tradition doesn’t seem to hold much merit, the Sisters of the Valley have created a new calling, which pays homage to Catholic and Native American traditions. In January 2015, Christine Meeusen, now known as Sister Kate, began her cannabis company Sisters

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of the Valley. Sister Kate, who was initially known, by the media as “Sister Occupy” morphed into the tincture-making activist she is today after starting her business as a non-profit cannabis organization. Seeing that her CBD tinctures and oils sold well and recognizing the miraculous benefits that these products had on

people with conditions that were otherwise untreatable, Sister Kate thought, “What would the female equivalent of the Pope be?” With this in mind, she decided to provide an apprenticeship to a young girl, and in September of 2015, Sister Darcey came on board, helping Sister Kate grow, extract and distribute CBD products.

Appearing as traditional nuns, the Sisters of the Valley are a new age religion, dedicated to helping their community. The sisters grow their CBD plants from their home in Merced, California where they run their business. The reason for this is spiritual, as Sister Kate states in an interview with ABC 30, “We studied with the Natives, and we’re trying to follow ancient wisdom customs.” Adding that, women in ancient times would not leave their homes for resources, but were selfsufficient. Other ancient traditions the sisters follow are making medicine on the new moon and bottling them on a full moon.

“We studied with the Natives, and we’re trying to follow ancient wisdom customs.”

Although the sisters initially planned on being selfsufficient, high demand of their products gave them no choice but to turn to outside resources for supplies. In the interview with ABC 30, Sister Kate mentioned that they now take assistance from a university in Italy for crystalized CBD for their oils and tinctures and other women growers in Mendocino County for high CBD leaf, as well as their own. While the media and cannabis advocates support the sisters’ efforts and as their business is proof of the financial benefits of medical cannabis, the Merced City Council sees otherwise. Recently, the sisters tried to

get the council to revoke its ban on cannabis production within the county, but at a meeting that occurred on January 8, 2016 the council decided to keep its ban for now, but plans on creating new, less restrictive legislation in the future. CULTURE spoke with Sister Kate who told us first hand about the council’s decision, but says that she does not feel that anything will happen if her and Sister Darcey continue to produce and sell their products. Sister Kate knows the powers of cannabis and how it is truly a miracle plant having stated, “I nursed my nephew off of a heroin addiction using cannabis. I nursed my son off a meth addiction (picked up at Fresno State, believing he was doing molly), using cannabis. I have seen Parkinson’s patients go from being unable to put a spoon to the mouth, to complete functionality after smoking a half of a joint. It is medicinal. It is nutritional. It is a gentle gateway drug off of pharmaceuticals.” While the City Council takes their time creating new cannabis legislation in Merced, the sisters have created a non-profit organization, Central Valley Citizens for Cannabis Commerce and Research, who are working countywide to lift bans on cannabis production by going town to town and raising awareness. c

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culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILES 46

Testing The Varieties: Part 1 by Ed Rosenthal

As a consumer you might have some experience with strains like Gorilla Glue and OG Kush. If not, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy enough to look at their stats and read some reviews before purchasing for consumption, or you can buy grams of each and compare the medicines yourself. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little different when choosing varieties to grow. I live in an area with many dispensaries that sell clones. They have a huge selection of varieties, between 10 and 50 in each shop. So there are about 75 varieties to choose from. When choosing new varieties to grow either for personal use or distribution there will be new sets of concerns. Some of the questions that may come up are: What is its branching habit? How much does it grow after forcing? Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the time until ripening? Which do best under the methods you use?

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Comparative yields. These are some questions that might be answered by conducting a plant trial. The test I am designing is to develop a template and a model for testing. With the proliferation of hybrids and varieties, plant trials are essential for growers to determine what they plan to grow. Other trials may be used to: Choose the best progeny from propagated seeds Test the effect of new cultivation practices on the varieties being grown Choose the best plant to clone from purchased seeds Test different cultivation practices Test different fertilizers and fertilizer regimens

I am developing this model of testing to minimize time, labor, energy and space, making it feasible for ordinary gardeners, small and large, to run a relatively extensive test fairly easily.

The Design The experiment is contained in a five-inch by five-inch garden tent. It has a vertical hanging OG metal halite 860-watt lamp in a sophisticated air-cooled reflector that is controlled by a timer. This limits the heat released into the garden. Excess heat is controlled using a small recirculating air conditioner (AC) installed in the sidewall that sits on a table outside. The air is enriched with CO2 using a 20lb tank regulated by a sensor set to keep the space at 1200 PPM during the lit hours. A small

oscillating fan keeps the air in the space circulating continuously. A recording thermometer, that shows the high and low temperature, is hung from the tubing so it is at canopy level. The temperature is set never to go below 60 degrees. The plants are planted in two-quart six-inch containers that are filled with a mixture of 50 percent coir, and about 25 percent each homemade, aged compost (derived from plant leaf, fruit drop and food waste) plus some used planting mix from previous projects. A double-ended 3/8” braided nylon wick extends from either end of the opposite facing holes at the bottom of the container. It trails into the tray below. The ends of the wick are stopped from fraying using twist-ties. The 35 containers sit on a wooden pallet placed inside a 4’ x 4’ tray that is filled with rainwater that has been pH’d to 6.0. A one-part complete hydroponic vegetative formula 7-9-5 with potassium silicate has been added to the water at 700 PPM. The water is circulated in the tray using two small water pumps, a minimum of 300 to max of 1000 gallons per hour (GPH). It is aerated using four air-stones that are powered by a small aquarium pump. An aquarium heater rated for 40 gallons keeps the water at 70 degrees. The tray sits on a piece of 1/2” thick Styrofoam that creates a barrier between it and the cold cement floor.

Getting the Garden Going Label each plant using a plastic marker that is placed in the container and an additional identifying tag attached to the stem. Mark them with a soft pencil—ink often fades.

The tent is ready to go. It is lit by a 1000w HPS lamp and has AC, CO2, air circulation a hybrid planting mix/hydro system.

Each of the 35 plants is in a 6” container with a wick that draws water up using capillary action.

Place the plants in the containers. The stem should not be placed deeper than it is when you start. If need be, use a skewer or other means of supporting the stem upright. Water after potting with diluted vegetative stage fertilizer water, 400 PPM. This is one of the few times you will do this. In the future, the plants will draw water/nutrient solution up the nylon wick, as they need it. Set the light on continuously for one week. Then turn it off for one day to spur the plants to transition from growing vegetatively to flowering. The next day, turn the light back on, but use a timer so the space receives 12 hours of light and 12 hours of total darkness daily. Keep up this light/dark regimen for the next month. During the dark period the plants require uninterrupted darkness. Do not open the curtain or door or turn the lights on during the dark period—even for a moment. The only light that can be safely used during the dark period is laser or LED green. Add water to the tray as it is used. Instead of using vegetative formula, use a complete hydroponic flowering formula such as 7-9-5 at 700 PPM. Add pH water as needed. At the same time you change the flowering cycle, change the fertilizer to flowering stage formula. Drain the tray and add the new water/nutrient mix. Make sure the heater doesn’t blow or radiate directly on the leaves. During the lit period the ideal leaf temperature is about 85 degrees. Use a surface temperature thermometer to check leaf temperature. Then adjust the AC and heater to keep the leaf temperature between 75 degrees and 85 degrees. During the dark period the temperature should not fall below 60 degrees. Use an electric heater to raise it, if needed. c

Each plant is tagged twice- in the container and on the stem. Use a pencil because inks run and fade.

Plants were placed in their new containers keeping the stem at the same depth it was in the starter cube.

Copyright by Ed Rosenthal. All rights are reserved. First North American Magazine rights only are assigned to culture Magazine. No other reproduction of this material is permitted without the specific written permission of the author/copyright holder.

The planting medium is is a mix of coir, previously used mix and homemade compost.

Plant list Ghost OG THC Bond GSC Mendo Kush Kosher Kush Gorilla Glue Dead Head Gorilla Blue #4 Larry OG Candyland Platinum Purple Blue Dream Blue Dream Dream Queen Pruple Urkle ACDC White Fire Alien OG GDP Sunset Sherbet x5-13 Fire OG Purple Diesel Chisel Harlequin LA Fire Harlequin GDP Blue Berry Cookies Black Jack San Fran Valley OG Train Wreck Double Dream Head Band Pure OG Kush Sour Diesel Tahoe Cure

The plants are being watered with diluted nutrient/ water solution with beneficial mycorrhizae added. This helps the cube make close contact and settle in the mix.

Excel Chart helps keep the records orderly.

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culture

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RECIPES

growing

Time to Go: Spring Weather: Mild temperatures, with light breezes and occasional showers. Budget: $$$$$

if you go:

Delaware Sparks Up for Winter Romance

PROFILES

COURAGE

DESTINATION

UNKNOWN

by Sheryll Alexander

GET YOUR CLICKS

Delaware finally has a single medical cannabis dispensary, but this tiny state’s pretty peninsula with its romantic town-meetscountry vibe holds a special place for medicating couples during winter’s season of love in February. Given the state’s tiny populous and Delaware’s headquarters to chemical giant DuPont, it’s no wonder “The First State” (it was the first state to ratify The Constitution) took until last year to help its many thousands of medical cannabis patients and their caregivers with an actual legal cannabis-for-sale storefront. Fortunately for travelers ready for a quick romantic getaway, Delaware sits smack dab in the center of what is known as the “Northern Corridor.” This three-state conjunction of what is known as The Delmarva Peninsula can be easily accessed from Northern and Southern states via Interstate Highway

95 (I-95) as well as Washington DC, Baltimore (via Annapolis over Hwy 50’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge), Philadelphia and even New York by riding New Jersey’s coastal city ferries. Southern-style food and high culture go hand in hand in this scenic rolling hills state. During the day, take a road trip to First State National Historical Park as well as some of the nation’s finest museums. Delaware is also home to wildlife refuges, lighthouses and architecture from American Revolutionary times to the great mansions of The Great Gatsby era. This February, check out some of Delaware’s top events such as fivecourse paired craft beer dinners at the historic Cape May Lewes Ferry (February 19), a colorful Chinese New Year Celebration at CITY Delaware Art Museum and don’t miss Wanda Sykes perform at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino (starting February 26). c

The big news is Delaware has its first real medical cannabis dispensary. Wilmington’s First State Compassion Center opened in June 2015 to provide “licensed” patients with mostly premium flower bud strains as edibles are still deemed illegal in Delaware. However, the bigger news may be Delaware’s brand new decriminalization law has gone into effect as of December 17, 2015. The new law will cut down on Delaware’s alarmingly high number of cannabis possession arrests by reclassifying possession from a felony to a misdemeanor for those age 21 (with prior arrests) and over carrying up to one ounce to a civil violation (and a $100 fine) for those with no criminal record. “Personal possession of marijuana paraphernalia” was also decreased from a crime to a civil violation while smoking out in your car and or in public remain misdemeanors.

Fun-Filled Facts The moneyed class from Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York all flock to their mansions and cottages (and luxe boutique hotels) along Delaware’s beach resort towns (Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island) because it is but a short road trip away and yet the peninsula makes you feel like you are on the edge of the world. 1

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Although not billed as a cannabis-friendly inn, Rehoboth Beach’s The Homestead Bed and Breakfast is an adults-only property. Located three miles from the beach and the town’s quaint boardwalk, “The Homestead” welcomes pets and a stay here comes with daily breakfast. 2

Shoppers abound

from neighbouring states in Delaware’s many designer shops and big box stores as this is a rare tax-free state.

culture growing RECIPES UNKNOWN DESTINATION COURAGE IN PROFILES

Emalee Hyde

Age: 25 Condition/ Illness: Jaw bone arthritis, severe allergies Using medical cannabis since: Age 21

Why did you start using cannabis? I began using cannabis in attempt to treat debilitating symptoms caused by an allergy that went undiagnosed for nine years. I experienced chronic and debilitating migraines, for which no pharmaceutical “solution” ever provided relief. A friend suggested cannabis, and it helped relieve my painful symptoms by turning them into at most, a mild discomfort. I knew that I had stumbled upon something much greater than myself and was hungry to learn more about its medical properties and benefits. Later in life, I learned about the allergy and did not need to consume cannabis for my chronic allergic reactions. Once I hit 22, I started experiencing pain in my face and jaw. After seeing a specialist, I was diagnosed with jaw bone arthritis. I became a medical cannabis refugee by leaving Florida to move to Colorado to obtain a legalized, natural medicine. I consume cannabis every day to keep my jaw fully functional and

to keep any discomfort at very minimal levels. Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis? I have tried almost every medication and treatment for migraines and pain management. Nothing works as well, fast, safely or effectively as cannabis. What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients? Legal access to a quality controlled medical plant. Prohibition puts so many people in jail or in the ground due to the political and street warfare that is waged just within a black market system. The legalized market must have strict quality control standards to ensure each crop provides a safe yield with no pesticides or microbial inconstancies that could potentially harm the very patients the plant was grown to help treat and/or cure. What do you say to folks that are skeptical about cannabis as medicine? If someone is skeptical, education is key. There are many valuable sources, such as NORML or PUBMED, that trumpet the medical benefits of this plant with many studies to back up their claims. c

Are you an MMJ patient with a compelling story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you. Email your name, contact information and details about your experiences with medical cannabis to courage@ireadculture.com.

iReadCULTURE.com february 2016

Hemp Heart Pancakes Passion Fruit Mimosa Heart-Shaped Avocado Toast with an Egg

growing

culture

Budding Breakfast for Two

Menu:

UNKNOWN

RECIPES

This year, Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday which means that there’s no need to rush, in order to celebrate the love. You don’t have to worry about sending flowers to your special someone at their office, or rushing off to a romantic dinner right after work—take it easy this year. Start the day off on the right foot, with a simple and thoughtful breakfast for the love of your life! With the help of cannabis, you can turn this special morning into a full day of relaxation and romance. Begin with a simple heart-shaped avocado toast, made with cannabutter, and impress your lover with some “heartfelt” pancakes, which utilize delicious and healthy hemp hearts, and wash it all down with a romantic and a delicious Passion Fruit Mimosa made with cannabis simple syrup. Valentine’s Day may be an overly commercialized holiday, but there’s plenty of ways to make it uniquely romantic for you and your significant other.

DESTINATION

Hemp Heart Pancakes Serves

Ingredients 6 tablespoons hemp seeds 4 eggs 2 bananas, mashed 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

COURAGE

2 teaspoons cannabis-infused vegetable oil t

Instructions

PROFILES

Add the hemp seeds, eggs, banana, cinnamon and vanilla extract into a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Grease a skillet with cannabis-infused oil, and set its heat at medium-low. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter into the skillet and allow it to spread out into a flat circle. Cook the pancake for about 1 to 2 minutes before flipping and cooking another 30 seconds. Continue until all batter is used. Serve the pancakes immediately, while they’re still warm. You can serve them with maple syrup or top with raspberries, blueberries or strawberries.

february 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

t Additional recipe can be found at iReadCulture.com

Serves

Heart-Shaped Avocado Toast with an Egg Passion Fruit Mimosa

Ingredients 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of cannabutter t

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado

2 tablespoons passion fruit juice

1 teaspoon lemon juice

concentrate or passion fruit juice, to

sea salt

taste

pepper 2 eggs 2 pieces of multigrain bread

Instructions Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, twist to separate, and remove & discard the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh. Add it to a small bowl, and mash with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice. With either a sharp bread knife, or a large heart-shaped cutter, cut out two heart shapes from the slices of bread. In a non-stick pan, add 1 teaspoon cannabutter, and fry one egg at a time, sunny-side up, to your liking. Set aside eggs when done. In a hot pan (could use the same one), add 1 tablespoon cannabutter. When sizzling, add your heart-shaped bread to the pan and toast on both sides until golden brown. To serve, cut the edges off the fried egg, to create a 3-inch egg-round. Spread your avocado mash on your heart-shaped toast, and place egg-round onto avocado toast; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Serves

1 teaspoon cannabis-infused simple syrup t 8 ounces champagne fresh strawberries or raspberries for garnish, optional

Instructions Pour 1 tablespoon passion fruit juice concentrate and 1/2 teaspoon infused simple syrup in each of two champagne flutes. Add 4 ounces champagne to each flute. Garnish (optional) and serve.

Legal Disclaimer Publishers of this publication are not making any representations with respect to the safety or legality of the use of medical marijuana. The recipes listed here are for general entertainment purposes only, and are intended for use only where medical marijuana is not a violation of state law. Edibles can vary in potency while a consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; weight, metabolism and eating habits may affect effectiveness and safety. Ingredient management is important when cooking with cannabis for proper dosage. Please consume responsibly and check with your doctor before consumption to make sure that it is safe to do so.

iReadCULTURE.com february 2016

Chuck Shepherd's

News of the

Weird

LEAD STORY—NEW WORLD ORDER u In December, Canada’s supportive organization The Transgender Project released a biographical video of the former Paul Wolscht, 46 and the father of seven children with his ex-wife, Marie, describing his new life as not only a female but a 6-year-old female, Stephoknee Wolscht. She told the Daily Xtra (gay and lesbian news site) that not acting her real age (even while doing “adult” things like working a job and driving a car) enables her to escape “depression and suicidal thoughts.” Among the trans-age’s favorite activities are (coloring-book) coloring, creating a play-like “kingdom,” and wearing “really pretty clothes.” Stephoknee now lives with the couple who adopted her.

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT u Thee, Not Me: American “millennials” (those aged 18 to 29) continue a “longstanding tradition,” The Washington Post wrote in December, describing a Harvard Institute of Politics poll on their views on war. Following the recent Paris terrorist attacks, about 60 percent of U.S. millennials said additional American troops would be needed to fight the Islamic State, but 85 percent answered, in the next question, that no, they themselves were “probably” or “definitely” not joining the military. EXCEPTIONAL FLORIDIANS u (1) Police in St. Petersburg reported the 52

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December arrest of a 12-year-old boy whose rap sheet listed “more than 20” arrests since age nine. He, on a bicycle, had told an 89-year-old driver at a gas station that the man’s tire was low, and when the man got out to check, the boy hopped in the car and took off. (2) A driver accidentally plowed through two small businesses in Pensacola in December, creating such destruction that the manager of one said it looked like a bomb had hit (forcing both—a tax service and a casket company—to relocate). The driver told police he was attempting to “travel through time.” COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS u (1) Breen Peck, 52, an air traffic controller who has been having career troubles in recent years, was arrested during a traffic stop on New York’s Long Island in December when officers found illegal drugs in his car. “That’s meth,” he said. “I’m an air traffic controller.” “I smoke it to stay awake.” (2) In a “she-said/he-said” case, wealthy Saudi businessman Ehsan Abdulaziz, 46, was acquitted of rape in December in England’s Southwark Crown Court, apparently persuading jurors of “reasonable doubt” about his DNA found in the alleged victim’s vagina. Perhaps, his lawyer said, Abdulaziz was still aroused after sex with the other woman in the apartment and accidentally fell directly upon the alleged victim lying on a sofa. IRONIES u Christopher Manney was fired from the Milwaukee Police Department in 2014 after shooting a black suspect to death in a case bearing some similarity to 2015 shootings that produced “Black Lives

Matter” protests—not fired for the shooting (adjudged “not excessive force”) but for improper actions that preceded the shooting (not announcing a valid reason for a pat down and conducting a not-bythe-book pat down). Two days before the firing, he had filed a disability claim for post-traumatic stress disorder from the shooting and aftermath, and in November 2015 the city’s Annuity and Pension Board, following city law, approved the claim. Thus, Manney, despite having been subsequently fired, retired with full disability, with basically the same takehome pay he was receiving when fired. WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME u In November, a 62-yearold customer at Ancient City Shooting Range in St. Augustine, Florida, was hit in the lower abdomen area by another shooter, 71, because the victim was standing behind the target (“for some reason,” was all a fire-rescue spokesman would say). The shooter thought the man was elsewhere on the property. LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS u Oops! (1) Jasper Harrison, 47, working inside the storage unit in Edgewater, Florida, where he grows his marijuana, heard a helicopter overhead on Dec. 9, panicked, and called 911 to turn himself in to pre-empt what he presumed was a SWAT raid. Actually, the helicopter belonged to a local news station headed elsewhere, but police later arrested Harrison based on the 911 call. (2) Lloyd Franklin, 34 and suspected in a North Carolina double murder, fatally shot himself in a Bensalem, Pennsylvania, motel room in November when police knocked on

the door. However, cops actually had come to arrest another man in the room on a parole violation. THE CONTINUING CRISIS u Elaine Williams, 47, was arrested in December in North Forsyth, Georgia, and charged with trying to buy a baby for her daughter, 14, via an ad on Craigslist. Williams said her daughter said she “wanted a baby and would get one with or without (my) help.” (Bonus: Williams lives near Jot Em Down Road). u Easily Disrespected: Two foreign students at the liberal arts Oberlin College complained in a recent school publication that the cafeteria selections— supposedly “inclusive” of world cultures—were actually denigrating other cultures by offering inferior versions of national dishes. Vietnamese student Diep Nguyen wrote that the correct “banh mi” sandwich should be a “crispy baguette with grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables and fresh herbs” and not, he complained, “ciabatta bread, pulled pork and coleslaw.” Said Japanese student Tomoyo Joshi, sushi with “undercooked rice and lack of fresh fish is disrespectful.” (Cafeteria managers told The Washington Post they were proud of their commitments to other cultures, to local farming, sustainable foods and animal-treatment concerns).

(while coughing from smoke inhalation), “I haven’t finished yet.” (2) Police in Richmond, Virginia, announced in December that high school math teacher Kenneth Johnson III turned himself in for several recent residential shoe thefts. Each time, the shoes taken from homes were returned to their owners but with “bodily fluids” added. UPDATE u Road to Nowhere: The “Bridge to Nowhere” played an outsize role in politics a decade ago as an example of uncontrolled government spending (before Congress killed it). (Ketchikan, Alaska, planned a sleek international airport on nearby, uninhabited Gravina Island, but needed a sleek $450 million bridge to get there). These days, reported Alaska Dispatch News in November, the original 3.2mile, $28 million access road on Gravina Island, built to

access the bridge, now just ends in a “scrub forest.” One optimistic state official said the road gets “more use all the time”—boaters come for “hunting and fishing, berry picking, things like that. It’s actually a nice road.” A NEWS OF THE WEIRD CLASSIC (JUNE 2011) u A prison guard is “the greatest entry-level job in California,” according to an April (2011) Wall Street Journal report highlighting its benefits over those of a typical job resulting from a Harvard University education. Starting pay is comparable; loans are not necessary (since the guard “academy” actually pays the student); and vacation time is more generous (seven weeks, five paid). One downside: The prison system is more selective: While Harvard accepts 6.2 percent of applicants, the guard service takes fewer than 1 percent of its 120,000 applicants).

THE ARISTOCRATS! u (1) A customer had to be dragged from a burning sex shop by firefighters in the notorious Reeperbahn “sin” section of Hamburg, Germany, in November when he refused orders to evacuate. He had shut himself inside a private booth to watch a film (“Throbbin Hood”) and was heard complaining iReadCULTURE.com february 2016

february 2016 iReadCULTURE.com

iReadCULTURE.com february 2016